by ghchealth on Wed Mar 16, 2005 5:34 pm
This article is very helpful for all of you have hemorrhoid problems please read id and tell me what you think, remember you can email me if you have a question about something. More articles to come soon.
Hemorrhoids: Reducing the Pain and Irritation
By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN and Brandon Miller
Hemorrhoids are a common ailment that affect millions of Americans each year. Yet despite their prevalence, many adults are still unsure exactly what hemorrhoids are and what causes them. The following primer will provide answers to your most frequently asked questions about hemorrhoids.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that occur either inside the anus or under the tissue surrounding the anus.
What causes hemorrhoids?
As the body's waste enters the pelvic and rectal canal, the tissues surrounding the inside of the anus (sometimes called "anal cushions,) fill with blood to help control bowel movements. Hemorrhoids develop when excessive pressure and other factors cause the veins within these cushions to swell and stretch. Hemorrhoids develop when the tissue surrounding the anus is no longer able to support these swollen veins. They begin to bulge, forming tiny sacs either inside the rectum or under the skin around the anus.
What Are Internal And External Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that form inside the anus. They are usually not painful, but they may bleed. Bright red blood in the stool or on the toilet tissue is a classic symptom of an internal hemorrhoid. Sometimes, an internal hemorrhoid may become a prolapsed hemorrhoid if it protrudes through the rectum and hangs outside of the anus. External hemorrhoids occur in the veins around the anus. They can be itchy and painful and occasionally, an external hemorrhoid will crack or bleed.
Can I get a hemorrhoid?
Just about everyone is susceptible to developing hemorrhoids. Nearly half of all adults in the united States will develop a hemorrhoid at some point in their lives. The tendency to develop hemorrhoids does run in families, so if your parents were hemorrhoid sufferers, it is likely that you will be too. Pregnant women often develop hemorrhoids because of the prenatal strain on the body. Weight, poor diet, improper lifting technique, lack of exercise, hormonal changes, certain medications, spinal cord injuries, and certain disease such as lung disease and heart disease, are all contributing factors to the development of hemorrhoids.
What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
The symptoms you will experience depends upon the severity and location of the hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids that develop inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) usually do not hurt but they may bleed. Bright red blood will appear during bowel movements, either on the toilet paper or mixed in with the stools. External hemorrhoids occur under the skin surrounding the anus, They can be itchy and painful and they may occasionally crack and bleed.
How can I prevent hemorrhoids?
The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to establish healthy bowel habits. This in turn prevents the constipation and diarrhea that often lead to hemorrhoids. Increasing fiber and water consumption will help to soften and bulk up stools, making them easier to pass. Daily exercise also helps to stimulate the digestive muscles and move the body's waste through the system. Also, avoid straining during bowel movements and when lifting heavy objects.
How should I care for my hemorrhoids?
Under normal circumstance, hemorrhoids will shrink on their own with small dietary changes that ease digestion. It's important to avoid constipation and diarrhea as these conditions will only aggravate hemorrhoids. Increasing water and fiber consumption in the diet will help to soften and bulk up stools, making them easier to pass. Keep the anal area clean to prevent irritation to the sensitive tissue. And try taking a warm sitz bath for ten to fifteen minutes, two to three times a day to reduce swelling and ease the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Do not use aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen as they can cause hemorrhoids to bleed more.
When should I see a doctor?
See your health care provider if rectal bleeding is present as this symptom can also be associated with other, more serious disorders, such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, and Crohn's disease. Also, have your doctor evaluate hemorrhoids that are accompanied by a fever, or do not go away after a week of home treatment.
What treatment methods are available for hemorrhoids?
Home remedies for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids include flaxseed oil, fiber supplements, and certain enemas. For troublesome hemorrhoids that won't go away, your doctor may recommend one of the following conventional treatments:
Rubber band ligation: A rubber band placed around the base of the hemorrhoid will cut off circulation and cause the hemorrhoid to wither away. This method is useful for small internal hemorrhoids.
Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected around the base of the hemorrhoid to shrink the swollen blood vessel.
Infrared Photocoagulation: This procedure uses an intense beam of infrared light to burn and destroy hemorrhoidal tissue.
Hemorrhoidectomy: This surgical procedure completely removes severe hemorrhoids.
